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We are bike shopping for hubby this weekend. Riding is more MY hobby than his, but he does enjoy going along with me.
We are looking at entry level road bikes with the most upright position possible. We found one Trek Pilot 1.0 in his size still available from 2007, plus the two Specialized are up for consideration as well.
Comments on these bikes? Thanks.
I don't know anything about Specialized, but I've been eyeing a few Trek models myself. I just want to say that the 2007s seem to be getting scarce and apparently, judging by their website, Trek's changed their line-up for 2008, so I'd say that if you found a 2007 Trek you want, grab that puppy!
Does the Roubaix come in an entry level package? I remember when helping my boyfriend test bikes last year he looked at a Roubaix that I think was in the $5k range. I never test rode the Roubaix myself, but I recall that he wasn't wild about it. I don't remember why exactly, and I think it was a vague personal preference type thing, like, the ride just didn't wow him, not that there was something specific that he hated. (It also ended up being more than he wanted to spend at the time). He was looking for a somewhat relaxed setup too, though.
I would definitely look at Treks, I think they're a really good value. The Madone 5.2 bf eventually ended up with, at $3,000 (he actually paid $2700 b/c Trek was having a special), was equally spec'd to some bikes that were $1000-$1500 more. The Carbon is quite nice-feeling too -- we rode some comparably-priced carbon bikes that were "dead" feeling. I would imagine this value can be found throughout the line...
I've had my Trek Pilot 1.0 for about 5 weeks, and for me it is an extremely comfortable riding position. I haven't found anything (except the saddle) that I don't like about this bike. There are no Specialized dealers close by, so I can't comment on how the Pilot compares to those bikes.
I looked at and rode the Allez -- it was nice! I ended up purchasing a Roubaix, because I really wanted a triple up front, and when we went to find the Allez with a triple (which I could have been happy with, despite not being thrilled with the paint job!), we discovered a Roubaix that happened to be the same size as the Allez they put me on, on deep clearance. The difference in components, carbon frame AND the price being exactly the same as the Allez -- well, I was all over that bike!
Everyone says ride lots of bikes before choosing. I didn't. I rode a Dolce, decided that it was too crowded for me, rode the Allez and liked the feel of it LOTS more, and then I did not ride the Roubaix before purchasing it. I just said, put that in my car, I'm taking it home! Aside from changing the saddle and making some handlebar adjustments, my bike and I get along VERY well!
(changing to armadillo tires doesn't count -- though it's done lots for my confidence. I don't feel like I have to watch out for every grain of sand on the road, which could be hiding something with puncture power!)
That said, I was probably lucky.
Karen in Boise
SilverSon has a 50 cm Trek Pilot 1.0. I used to ride it and found it very comfortable.
It's important to note that I have a wicked bad back, but found the upright geometry very comfortable for me.
HOWEVER, I planned on buying one for myself and was talked into an alternative geometry by the LBS...they were absolutely right and I'm much happier with my 49cm Lemond Reno.
So, my advice is don't go with a preconceived notion and let the LBS advise you.
Good advice Mr. Silver. BTW, how tall are you?
Just under 5'7" BUT, my problem (besides being short) is that I've got a long torso and short legs...
The geometry of the Lemond supports my torso/leg ratio best.
In addition, I'm finding that the less upright posture is much more comfortable than I would have imagined.
I have a Specialized Allez Elite, switched out the triple for a double up front... so I am biased!
Really, in the end, it's the bike that fits and feels best when you take it out and get a feel for it. I tried four or five before finding the love of my cycling life. Take these out for a spin, tweak them a bit, and enjoy!
I've never ridden an Allez, but I rode a lot of Treks (even an expensive Madone), and I never liked the ride. The Madone 5.2 was getting close, but then we were already way out of my price range. It came down to a choice between a Roubaix and a Tarmac. Since I was a new rider, I decided to go with the less stretched out feel of the Roubaix. Since then, I've dropped the stem significantly, and I wish I had the Tarmac also. :p I just really liked the feel of the Specialized bikes and the quality of components for the price point. Since I got my bike, I've noticed that the same price levels have gotten worse in the components department, so maybe if you're looking at new bikes, they'll be more comparable in that respect.
They're all good bikes. Ride them lots and you'll have a better idea about what's best for you.
If you're looking for a more upright road bike the Specialized Sequoia is more comparable to the Trek Pilot. I love my Sequoia.
I'm biased, I have 6 bikes and counting by Specialized, plus about every Bodyworks accessory you can name. Shorts, pump. pump, helmet, gloves...you get the picture!
I test road the Tarmac, Roubiax, and the Alllez. (Plus alot of Cannondales, Treks, Orbeas, Scotts, Storcks...buying a road bike was no small thing for me!) I wanted something with a triple, I didn't have a lot of faith in compacts, it's HILLY where I live) I was in love with the Tarmac, but the staff steered me towards the Allez...and they were right! It's been a great ride. I was "entry level" when I started riding. And was set up comfortalbly in a very upright position. What's great about that bike...is that as I've grown as a rider, the geometry was able to adjust with me. (more agressive, seat higher, handle bars lower). Tarrmac's geometry is racing agressve, Roubaix is more forgiving, but Allez seems to be that comfortable "middle"...and meant to be that way.
The real reason that I'm such a die hard Specialized fan.......their customer service is amazing! My LBS is a Specialized dealer...and they're great, and I know how much support and traning they get from the company. But the few times I've dealt with the company direct have been incredible...from the fact that a live person answered the phone (when does that happen any more) to the fact that me issue was answered and delt with right away! No being out on hold...I wasn't transfered and hundred different times. That to me spoke volumes! And they stand behind their product!
Good luck in your purchase!